STATE OF THE UNION: FORGETTABLE

State of the Union addresses have generally been easily forgettable affairs and last night’s was no exception. Obama was more defiant than contrite despite recent political poundings. Notably he punted Obamacare to Pelosi and Reid – the latter so inspired that he fell asleep during Obama’s speech.

Obama oratorical skills and teleprompter-ease were not diminished and he deserves an A- but he gets a D+ for content.

We are told Iraq and Iran will be absent American combat troops in 2011 although we know tens of thousands will remain in various “non-combat” roles. He shook a finger at North Korea and Iran but avoided China and all others only devoting a scant seven of a long seventy minutes to foreign policy and national defense.

Jobs we are told are his priority as he demanded another “jobs bill” to replace last year’s failed one. His focus continues to be on WPA-like projects and misty notions of green energy.

The high point in my mind was his pledge to double U. S. exports.in two year and redouble those in five more years. How and where he did not explain. Obama refused to say the words “tax cuts” but still favors “tax credits” for small businesses who produce jobs – he “knows” big government has to first take and then give back rather than keep its hands off in the first place.

He chastised the Supreme Court causing Justice Alito to mouth “not true,”  and called for an end of the don’t ask don’t tell policy.

Obama set the bench mark for BIOB (Blame It On Bush) indictments. He virtually ignored his much ballyhooed if lambasted so-called budget freeze.

About the only thing that made real news yesterday was Hilary Clinton’s absence and announcement that she will NOT serve 8-years as Secretary of State fueling speculation of a 2012 challenge or even VP spot. She says “No” — she wants to retire to write and teach.

Republicans generally glued to their seats glaring Nancy Palosi popped up and down like a June bug on a hot griddle dragging a grinning if annoyed VP Biden along.